Ayurveda treatment for constipation is a natural treatment that cures the issue from the root. Constipation can prove to be a serious health issue if not treated timely. Usually, the ones who have ever felt constipated end up popping pills, consuming herbal choornas, or stuffing the tummy with a high fats diet. Although it might give a temporary relief from constipation, it comes back again. BUT NOT ANYMORE.
Treatment of constipation through Ayurveda should be the only resort for health seekers to get a permanent cure for this problem. If you have already made up your mind about receiving authentic Ayurvedic treatment, book a slot nowhere else but Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam.
VVAC is a NABH-accredited best Ayurveda hospital which is just 50 minutes away from Chandigarh in Himachal Pradesh. It spans across 25 acres on a hilltop and is surrounded by 500 acres of lush green forest covers. To know about the Ayurveda therapies for constipation performed by VVAC’s well-experienced therapies under the supervision of senior Ayurvedic physicians, read ahead.
Symptoms of Constipation
Speaking about the signs of constipation are the following –
- Unable to clear the bowel system for longer period
- Difficult to pass stools and have to apply a lot of pressure to do so
- The stools are dry, hard, painful, and lumpy
- Feeling of unclear bowels and feeling heavy in the abdomen
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Restrained bowel movements
- Frequent stomach aches or cramps
- Extreme bloating
Causes of Constipation
Out of many causes of constipation, the primary and biggest cause is improper lifestyle. There are many other factors that contribute to constipation, let’s read them below.
- Not consuming enough fiber in their diets
- Not drinking enough water, leading to large intestines absorbing water from the stool making it hard and dry
- Not working out
- Sudden changes in regular routine, traveling, eating something new, or sleeping at different times
- Extreme stress and increasing the consumption of dairy
- Medications like some antibiotics
- Certain medical conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Obstructed Defecation syndrome and more
Ayurveda Treatment for Constipation at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam
As per Ayurveda, constipation is referred to as Vibandha or Malabandha, which means “obstruction or binding of the stool.” Also, it is primarily caused due to the disturbance of Vata dosha (especially Apana Vata, which is responsible for downward movement in the body.)
Ayurveda doesn’t treat constipation as a health concern but as a symptom of deeper digestive imbalance (Agni Mandya) or doshic imbalance. Ayurveda treatment for constipation includes restoring overall digestive health through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies for bloating, flatulence, and a sense of incomplete bowel movement.
After learning the possible and common causes of constipation, let’s look at all the Ayurveda treatment for constipation performed at Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam. Also, get to know the reasons for choosing VVAC as your wellness destination for ayurvedic treatment for constipation.
| Classical Panchakarma Treatment for Constipation | Effects |
| Snehana (Oleation Therapy) | In Snehana Ayurveda treatment for constipation, the therapist applies medicated oils externally through Abhyanga and internally through Snehapana. This treatment softens stools and provides lubrication to the intestinal walls. As the Vata doshas are balanced (known to dry the colons), the bowel movements get smooth. |
| Guda Varti (Rectal Suppository) | Known as a medicated suppository prepared of herbal formulations at the in-house Kashayapura of Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam. The herbal decoction is inserted directly into the rectum to stimulate the rectal muscles and help in smooth stool evacuation. Furthermore, it helps in clearing all the blockages inside the lower intestines and removing them. |
| Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) | Virechana, as a detox process at VVAC includes the purgation, which controls excess pitta from the intestines. Also, after the entire Panchakarma treatment, complete bowel cleansing happens. |
| Basti (Medicated Enema) | Through Basti, medicated oils or herbal decoctions are administered through the rectum. This process is performed by experienced VVAC therapists under the supervision of senior Ayurvedic doctors. The benefits of Basti include balancing Apana Vayu, which is responsible for elimination. Additionally, to soften the hard and dry stool to ensure complete defecation. Lastly, to nourish and rejuvenate the colon for a long-term relief from constipation. |
Yoga Asanas for Constipation Treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda treatment for constipation not only includes authentic Panchakarma treatment, it also includes doing some Yoga asanas daily.
- Pawanmuktasana: This wind-relieving pose relieves the bloating and excess gas from the body. Also, stimulates the intestines for smooth and easy bowel movements.
- Malasana: This asana helps in opening up of the hips and pelvis area that activates the digestive system and promotes complete elimination of the stored waste and toxins.
- Ardha Matsyendrasana: Popular for massaging of the abdominal organs that enhances digestion process and relieves constipation.
- Bhujangasana: Cobra pose strengthens the abdominal muscles and improves metabolism rate.
- Vajrasana: The health seekers tired of excess bloating and gas must sit in Vajrasana for 5 to 10 minutes after every meal. It improves digestion and prevents constipation and gas.
- Halasana: This pose in yoga encourages improved blood flow to the abdominal area and activates the digestive system.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Constipation Relief
When natural herbs are consumed under guidance of an Ayurvedic physician, they can give a long-lasting relief from constipation. At Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, freshly-prepared warm sattvic meals are served to our health seekers that are prescribed by the doctor. Also, the whole day, herbal teas like tulsi/ginger/ajwain are served. (At VVAC, Vaidyaratnam’s Panamrutham, which is a blend of dried herbs makes the herbal drinking water for all the health seekers throughout their stay.)
- Triphala: Combination of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki balances all the three doshas and promotes proper bowel movements regularly. Also, it acts as a natural laxative that helps in a seamless defecation process.
- Isabgol: It is high soluble and insoluble fiber that adds bulk to the stool and manages chronic constipation.
- Ajwain (Carom Seeds): It improves digestion and reduces bloating. It eases bowel movements as it acts as a mild laxative. We recommend the health seekers to consume it along with warm water for better and quicker results.
- Bael: Known for its cooling properties is a divine food for the gut. The pulp of ripe Bael fruit is a natural laxative without causing irritation. It supports the overall digestive health as it is effective in cleansing the intestines.
- Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): This powerful herb is excellent to treat chronic constipation issue as it promotes Vata balance and natural detoxification of the digestive tract without causing dependency.
- Aragvadha (Cassia Fistula): Not many are aware about this herb, but it is sweet in taste and cooling in potency. Also, known as Purging Cassia which has laxative properties that clears the bowels and reduces bloating or heaviness.
- Draksha (Grapes/Raisins): Consuming Draksha (preferably soaked) soothes the digestive tract, increases hydration, and promotes gentle bowel movements. According to a clinical study, 94.12 % of patients in the trial will not require to begin taking laxatives after consuming raisins with clarified butter or ghee. Also, as per the study patients got relief from acute to chronic from the third day of its consumption.
- Katuki / Katurohini (Picrorhiza Kurroa): Being bitter, pungent, light, dry, and cool in potency, Katuki is a liver tonic and a digestive stimulant that aids in the stimulation of bile secretion and relieves sluggish bowel movements.
- Eranda Taila (Castor Oil): Quite heavy and strong purgative, Castor is one of the most powerful purgatives in Ayurveda as it lubricates the intestines and promotes forceful defecation and deep cleaning.
- Patol (Trichosanthes Dioica): This is also one of the many herbs used in the Ayurveda treatment for Constipation which is effective in reducing Pitta and mildly laxative. Consuming the herbs clears the toxins from the intestines and supports liver health.
- Jaiphal (Nutmeg): A staple in Indian kitchen, Jaiphal is used in several curry-based meals but is effective when consumed in small doses with other herbs.
- Trivrit: Used in Panchakarma for Virechana, Trivrit powerfully clears accumulated toxins from the intestines and relieves chronic constipation.
Effective Home Remedies for Constipation Relief
The ones who experience acute constipation issues can try some effective home remedies for constipation in Ayurveda.
- Water with Lemon Juice: Lemon has a high dose of Vitamin C, that helps in clearing the entire digestive tract. Hence, this stimulates digestion and clears the bowels.
- Ghee in Warm Milk: A natural home remedy to treat constipation is consuming one tablespoon of pure ghee with warm milk. This softens the stools and provides lubrication in the large intestines.
- Aloe Vera Juice: It helps in lubricating the digestive tract for smooth defection.
- Flaxseed Powder: Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and Omega-3 that promotes bowel regularity. You can include flax seeds powder to your curd bowl, raitas, or a little bit as a garnish.
- Stay Hydrated: As a part of ayurveda treatment for constipation, it is advisable to increase the number of glasses and a minimum of 8 to 9 glasses of water. Water softens stool and pacifies dry, aggravated Vata. Begin your day with lukewarm water and sip small amounts every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Warm Fennel-Cardamom-Hing Water: Fennel and Cardamom enhance agni (digestive fire) without overheating and Hing (Asafoetida) eliminates gas and bloating.
- Consistent Meals Timing: Eating at irregular hours disrupts agni and slows down the metabolic rate. Hence, regular timing promotes gut mobility and circadian rhythms. Additionally, leave a 3 to 4 hours gap between meals and avoid midnight snacking.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Good fats from Walnuts, Almonds, Flax, Chia, Pumpkin, and Sunflower seeds with Ghee lubricates the intestinal lining and ease the stool passing process. You can ass 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds or chia seeds to curd or porridge or buttermilk. Also, take 1 Tsp melted ghee in warm milk at bedtime if stools are hard to pass.
- Amaltas Pulp: Soak a 2cm piece of the brown pulp in warm water overnight, strain and drink at dawn, one or twice a week which is effective for chronic and dry constipation.
- Amla Juice: Rich in Vitamin C and mild laxative properties, strengthens liver function and tones the colon. However, remember to dilute 20 to 30 ml fresh Amla Juice with water.
FAQs about Treatment of Constipation in Ayurveda
Q1) What is the ideal diet in Ayurveda treatment for constipation?
A) Ayurveda recommends the health seekers to consume a fiber-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, millets, and plenty of warm water. Refrain from consuming spicy , sugary, processed, and cold foods.
Q2) Does Ayurveda recommend fasting for constipation relief?
A) Short-term fasting with liquids like warm herbal teas or soups can help reset the digestive system and relieve constipation.
Q3) Are Ayurvedic treatments safe during pregnancy?
A) Mild Ayurvedic remedies like Isabgol and Ghee are generally safe but classical Panchakarma treatments like Basti should only be done by expert and licensed therapists under proper supervision.
Q4) Can constipation lead to other health problems if untreated?
A) Yes, chronic constipation can cause issues like piles, fissures, indigestion, and toxins accumulation, further leading to systemic imbalances.
Q5) Can children and elderly individuals use an Ayurvedic treatment for constipation?
A) Yes, Ayurvedic therapies like Triphala or mild herbal teas can be personalized to suit children and the elderly. However, we recommend always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the correct dosage.
